About

In 2003 Northamptonshire businessman John Pinkham encouraged a group of friends to take part in a cycle ride around the county's rolling countryside to raise money for the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice. Such was its success, Cycle 4 Cynthia was born.

In 2004, when the Hospice launched a £1.5 million appeal, John decided to extend the event beyond simply inviting his friends for a casual bike ride and encouraged families, businesses and cycle enthusiasts to both sponsor and take part in Cycle 4 Cynthia to help raise funds for the Hospice.

Cyclists had a choice of three routes, 5 miles, 25 miles and 50 miles encompassing some of the county's most attractive stately homes including Althorp House, Kelmarsh Hall, Cottesbrooke Hall and Holdenby House. The result was phenomenal; over 460 people took part, raising a staggering £35,000.

In 2005 it was decided that the money raised would be split between the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support in the county while the subsequent major change to the event has been its venue; it moved from Nationwide, via Franklin's Gardens (the home of the Northampton Saints) to Althorp (by kind permission of The Earl Spencer, who is President of the Hospice), then on to Lamport Hall in 2014 (when 10% of the monies raised went to Kidsaid, the Northampton-based charity which supports children who have suffered abuse, bereavement, bullying or family issues). In 2015 the ride returned to Althorp, when the Hospice became the sole beneficiary, and then moved to Holdenby House last year.

In 2005 it was decided that the money raised would be split between the Friends of Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support in the county while the subsequent major change to the event has been its venue; it moved from Nationwide, via Franklin's Gardens (the home of the Northampton Saints) to Althorp (by kind permission of The Earl Spencer, who is President of the Hospice), then on to Lamport Hall in 2014 (when 10% of the monies raised went to Kidsaid, the Northampton-based charity which supports children who have suffered abuse, bereavement, bullying or family issues). In 2015 the ride returned to Althorp, when the Hospice became the sole beneficiary, while the following year it moved to Holdenby House.

In 2017 double Olympic silver medallist Becky James fired the starting hooter as some 1100 pedalled off from Lamport Hall and while the final amount raised won’t be revealed until the 2018 launch event taking place at Franklin’s Gardens on Tuesday 27th March, the total figure raised in the previous fourteen years is expected to exceed half a million pounds; an incredible figure based on the ride's rather humble beginnings! The committee thanks all those riders, marshals, volunteers, businesses and sponsors who have helped to make the event such a success and hopes that a record number will again be out in force to support Cycle4Cynthia 2018 on Sunday 23rd September (with details of the venue again being announced at the launch).

Double Olympic silver medallist Becky James speaking after taking part in the 2017 ride:

“I heard about Cycle4Cynthia some years ago but of course my professional commitments meant I was never able to take part, so I’m thrilled that I’ve been able to do so this year and finally get to experience this amazing day.

“I visited the hospice earlier this year and seeing the incredible care they offer to their patients and families was just so inspirational, so to be here today and join all these other riders in supporting the charity has been fabulous!”